Style of the city Magazine, Issue 20

FOUNDER & EDITOR – IN – CHIEF

Rosie Harris

EDITORIAL & COMMUNICATIONS

Michelle Saubergue

DIGITAL

Natalie Norris

DESIGNER

Lowri Howells

FASHION EDITOR

Karine Laudort

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paula Burns

Lauren Green

Polly James

Karine Laudort

Sophie & Hannah Pycroft

Sarah Stephens

Style of the City Magazine, Castle Court, 6 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LJ

Call: 02920 647640

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: info@marcarmedia.com

20 Issues In!

Anew issue, a new monarch, and a little milestone here as we’ve reached our 20th edition. Starting anything from the beginning evokes lots of tenacity, hard work, determination, and hope. What better way to highlight this than showcasing this issues cover star, 2 x world boxing champion Joe Cordina.

We welcome you then to our special 20th edition with Joe Cordina proudly gracing our front cover. Joe is an embodiment of talent and skills, needed both mentally and physically to reach championship level, and Joe with unwavering perseverance, fought to retain his championship status. Full exclusive interview (p11).

We have filled this issue with all the things you enjoy, including our ever-popular Wedding Guide (p39). Our favourite latest fashion trends (p18) including a very special local boutique. Jon Ian (p24) based in Cowbridge has everything and more to get you season ready, they even offer a stylist service.

Thinking of a city break? We check out Manchester and get familiar by visiting the Stock Exchange Hotel. For any football lover, this luxurious boutique hotel is actually owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, our full review (p81).

A new season can also evoke a new hair style; An entrepreneurial hairdresser based in Swansea has launched her own hair extension line, it was great to get familiar (p30).

Party planner to the stars Liz Taylor, shares her incredible story in our Culture & Lifestyle section (p54).

With so much content and of course style, we hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed putting it together. With reaching our 20th edition, we would like to thank you the reader for the incredible support we have received. Thanks for picking us up x

Rosie Harris

FOUNDER & EDITOR – IN – CHIEF

www.styleofthecitymag.co.uk

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

Style of the City Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine.

/styleofthecitymag

@styleofthecitymag

@SOTCMag

CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Health & Wellness

Features

P11 JOE CORDINA

Welsh boxing champion Joe Cordina shares his incredible story

P24 SHOP LOCAL, SHOP LUXURY

Jon Ian, Cowbridge’s leading local fashion store

P39 WEDDING GUIDE

Everything you need to make your special day perfect

P63 FUSION DENTISTRY

Award winning dentistry practice, offering same day dental implants

P66 HOLM HOUSE

Latest luxury spa treatments available at Holm House

Fashion & Beauty

P29 DR ANDREW GARDINER

Dr Andrew Gardiner talks all things aesthetics & shares his advice

P30 BEAUTY @1600

A new hair extension line from a local hairdresser based in Swansea has launched

P34 GELIDA

A wellness and holistic approach to the aesthetics industry

Culture & Lifestyle

P53 KAHPUN

Ghanaian music artist based in Barry releases debut album

P54 LIZ TAYLOR

Party planner to the stars, Liz Taylor shares her story

City Stays

P78 SUNSHINE SAFARI

Your ultimate safari adventure

P83 STOCK EXCHANGE HOTEL

Manchester’s luxury city dinning spot

Handcrafted Jewellery Since 1840

Craftsmanship is a magic that weaves through beautifully created objects, a remarkable synthesis of skill, creativity and technical expertise, all brought to life by hand. Luxury jewellers, Laings has a history that is steeped in craftsmanship, with the founder James Laing dedicating his life to craft and artistry over 180 years ago.

The generations that followed built on this vision of craft. As we entered the Roaring Twenties in a haze of champagne bubbles and excitement, Laings used diamonds and gemstones to create magnificent shows. Art Deco lines and geometric details captured the imaginations of goldsmiths and designers and they married age-old techniques with innovative ideas, creating sensational designs that echoed the exhilarating nature of the era. As we moved through each decade and generation, craftsmanship transformed heirloom pieces creating sentimental meaning that is hard to put into words, awards were won celebrating the skills of goldsmiths and designers and incredible one-off pieces were created, none more special than the Laings 175 Necklace.

The 175 Necklace is an outstanding piece of fine jewellery that commemorates a milestone year in Laings history. The incredible one-of-akind piece embodies the defining principles of craft that Laings is built on, demonstrating the artisanal skills of the goldsmiths and pushing the boundaries of jewellery design. Taking nearly a full year to create, the experienced specialists combined ancient skills with modern innovation throughout the process. This never-ending pursuit of perfection meant the necklace spent over six months in our workshops, with each of the 447 diamonds meticulously set by hand.

The back of the necklace was also finished with a sapphire clasp, to provide an elegant counterbalance for 360 degrees of captivation. Looking back on the skills that founded Laings, they use the guiding principle of craft to write their future. Their workshops are at the heart of everything they do and it is here that you see the vision of collaborative spaces, where skilled goldsmiths work together in a technical and creative space, all united by the same passion, come to fruition. Visit Laings and allow the expert team to help you to find a beautifully crafted item that will mark special moments from now and forever on.

laingsuk.com

Laings Cardiff

25-27 The Hayes, Cardiff.

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Photography @sashshots

INTERVIEW

The Welsh Wizard talks to Style of the City about his journey and his fight to the top of the world, twice!

Joe Cordina

JOE CORDINA

The Big Sacrifice

Joe Cordina, a young boxer from Cardiff, has hit headlines and put Cardiff back on the map for Welsh Boxing.

Joe held the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles between 2018 and 2019 and represented Britain at the 2016 summer Olympics. Joe Cordina celebrated his European Gold belt just a month after becoming a father. He made his debut as a super-featherweight in April 2017 and in June 2022 became the World IBF champion at the Motorpoint Arena in his hometown of Cardiff. His record currently stands at 16 fights with no losses. However, after breaking his hand and enduring major surgery in October 2022 Joe suffered a major setback and had to pull out of his scheduled title defence match against Shavkat Rakhimov in November and was stripped of his IBF belt. Now, just 7 months later he returned to the ring in April 2023 to retain the title once more. SOTC speak to Joe about his journey and inspirations that have led to his success.

How did you first start boxing, take me back to the beginning of that journey?

I wasn’t boxing; I was playing rugby and football and because I was only small, I was a target for all the big boys. So, I ended up fighting a lot of the time. My Dad was like “you're going to go to the gym and get fit and take your anger out there” and it went from there. After 3 months my coach at the time asked me “Do you want to fight?” and I was like “Yeah”. I didn’t really want to fight; I just wanted to keep fit and keep doing what I was doing. I had my first fight; one fight led to two, led to three…and so on”

“work hard, dedicate yourself and sacrifice”

What does a normal day look like for you as a professional boxer?

I train up in Essex so at the start of the week on Monday I’ll travel from Cardiff to Essex, and I’ll lead straight into pads or sparring. On Tuesdays I’m up at 6am ready for our morning run at 7am. We have five or six different runs; we change it up every week. They’re tough, intense and fast paced and then in the afternoon we'll do a pad session as well as circuit training. Saturday is a slower run, 6 or 7 miles and then a strength and conditioning session. I have Sundays completely off when I’ll maybe go to church and spend time with family.

How did you keep motivated after losing your belt the first time around?

This is quite easy for me because I've got three kids that I have to provide for and to keep our family going. When it gets tough, I only have to think about them and it gives me a push and a boost. When I lost the title last year it was mainly them that kept me motivated.

What has been your biggest inspiration?

My kids, my mother, my father as well as my trainer, Tony. He’s a great guy. I want to obviously provide for my family and make them proud. But I also want to make my trainer proud. He’s put a lot of time and effort into getting me to where I am, so it’s not only my close family it’s also for him too.

Did you do anything different regarding training for the rematch?

I wouldn't say different, but we took it up a notch. And there were times when I asked myself “is this really what I want to be doing?” and stuff like that. But like I said, when it gets tough, I’ve only got to think about my children and that gives me an extra boost to get through. It was definitely taken up a level – longer rounds, more rounds. It was tough!

How did you manage the pressure that surrounded the fight?

I didn't really think about it until the last week. It was when Eddie (Hern) said that “Welsh boxing is on your shoulders and if I don't win this, they're not coming back to Cardiff any time soon.” Who have they got to take over? For me, that’s when it sank in and the pressure was on.

All eyes are back on Cardiff boxing now, what advice would you give to anyone pursuing a professional sporting career?

I always say to people – if you can work hard, dedicate yourself and sacrifice certain things in your life that potentially are going to slow you down. Sometimes it’s the small percentages you’re missing out on but the small percentages can take you to where you need to be. I always say the difference for me is the sacrifice and I believe that's what has got me to where I am today.

JOE CORDINA

Who would you say is the best legendary boxer?

For me and this is just my opinion because everyone's got different opinions when it comes to who's the best, it’s “Sugar” Ray Leonard. He’s done it all; boxed every style, won multiple titles. He could box, he could do close-ups, go backwards he could do it all.

Are you going to be pursuing your “brand” now following this huge win?

Of course, it always becomes part and parcel of it as you step up. There are going to be big brands that are going to be coming knocking on the door wanting to do certain things but first and foremost I want to build my brand - and that's Joe Cordina Welsh Wizard. I think now it's a good time. I’m a two-time world champion and it's a good time and a good place to start.

What can we expect now from Joe Cordina?

I want to unify titles. I want to get more belts, more big nights and put my name up in lights. America, UK and globally; I want to bring big nights of boxing back to Cardiff and to give younger fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent. To become a ‘Welsh British Legend’ all around the world.

Wales and Cardiff are behind you now, but it’s been almost a ‘Rocky’ story hasn’t it?

When you look at it because I’ve had quite a lot of setbacks, in my career. When we're getting to where we need to get to and then all of a sudden there’s a knockback; it’s hard. I believe everything happens for a reason and certain things are put in place for a reason. One door closes another one opens, and this is what's happened in my case.

How do you juggle being a world champion with being a husband and a dad?

It is hard, to get to where I am and to provide for my family, I must sacrifice certain things, and one of those things is family time, which absolutely kills me. I have almost missed the births of 2 of my kids, my wife's birthday, and anniversaries.

I told my wife at the start of our relationship, ‘don't try and come in-between me and the boxing!’ because I was a kid and I had goals of going to the Olympics. We were young as well, just 16 and you don’t ever expect to be with someone for 15-16 years down the line when you first meet them. If it wasn't for my wife Lauren as well as the hard work I put in, I probably wouldn't be where I am. My wife has helped me keep sane at certain points, helped me when I've been down, lifted me back up. It’s been a team effort.

What would you say to a young Joe Cordina? What do you know for sure at this moment in time?

Take care of your finances and when you start making money as a teenager, save every bit whilst you're living at home with your parents. Invest your money wisely and look to build an empire.

Interview – Rosie Harris and Joe Cordina

“one door closes, another one opens”

FASHION

Oliver Bonas Nora Mini Flower Earrings £9.50

River Island White 3D Flower Strappy Heeled Sandal £59

Accessorize R Flower Embellished Bag £16

F LOWER POWER

By: Karine Laudort

The flower trend is back in full bloom, with designers showcasing floral prints and motifs in their collections. This trend is a perfect way to add a touch of femininity and freshness to your wardrobe, from ditsy florals to oversized blooms.

Roman Originals Roman Navy Angel Sleeve Floral Print Midi Dress £42

Peacocks Flower Print Trousers £16

Lipsy Printed 3D Flower Textured Skater Dress £78

National Trust Ham House Canvas Tote Bag £18

Oliver Bonas Pink and Orange Large Diffused Flowers Midi Dress £85

Seol + Gold 9ct Gold Flower Ring £119.95

Monsoo n Ana Embroidered Dress £150

New Look Black Sunflower Flutter Sleeve Mini Tea Dress £17.99

New Look Blue Ditsy Floral Ruched Mini Dress £29.99

F&F Winnie Retro Floral Shirt £18

Joe Browns Blossom Devore Tunic £60

PRETTY GREEN

Shades of green evoke feelings of freshness, vitality, and new beginnings. From soft pastels to bold emerald hues, this trend will offer a range of options to add a touch of natural beauty to your spring wardrobe.

Oliver Bonas Green Ombre Square Sunglasses £28

Seol + Gold Green Enamel Cuff £23

Cotton Traders The Denim Jacket Bright Green £39

George at ASDA Green Velvet Jumpsuit £22

Branch Jewellery Abstract Earrings Green £49

Dune Dune London Dots £70

TK Maxx Green Chunky Sliders £12.99

Monsoon Barely There Leather Heel Sandals £69

Branch Jewellery Oval Ring – Green £36

Dancing Leopard Jonah Mini Shirt Dress £45

F&F Green Ruched Rib Dress £19.50

V by Very Long Sleeve Midi Beach Shirt £25

New Look Green Textured Belted Midi Shirt Dress £33.99

Oliver Bonas Green Lace Back Dress £65

Yellow swimwear is making a splash this spring, and it's the perfect choice for those who want to stand out on the beach or by the pool. Whether you opt for a bright and bold shade or a more subdued pastel hue, you can style yellow swimwear to suit your personal taste and body type.

SunnyStyles

How to Rock Yellow Swimwear This Spring

MESHKI Allora Triangle Hardware Bikini Cheeky Brief £15

SHEIN Tie Shoulder Crisscross Bikini Swimsuit £10.99

Versace Medusa Plaque Detail Swimsuit £675

Samantha Sage Manhattan Suit £129

PrimaDonna Top £60 Briefs £34

F&F Solution Swimsuit £22.50

Melissa Odabash Miami Yellow Eco Bikini £70

Zalando (Calvin Klein) Scoop One Piece £60

Calvin Klein Logo Tape Bikini Top £50 & Bottom £45

gettingpersonal.co.uk Embossed Donnini Italian Leather Doctor's Bag £384.99

John Lewis New Balance Trainers £95

Barbour Tailored Shirt £69.95

John Lewis Long Sleeve Stripe Tee Ecru Navy £18

Barbour Leo Short £74.95

Matalan Navy Twin Shacket £20

Primark Striped Graphic Rugby Jersey £20

Crew Clothing Moreston Rugby Shirt £69

Dune Obscured Green £40

National Trust Shop Navy Hat £25

Regatta Shorebay Waterproof Jacket £100

Primark Navy LA Nylon Varsity £30

Damsons Jett Jeans Grey £120

M&S Collection Trousers £49

Primark Denim Jeans Blue £20

THREADBARE Stone Funnel Neck Utility Shacket £33.99

Chronograph Watch £699.99

Joe Browns Fully Loaded Leather Jacket £240

Cotton Traders Luxury Soft Touch Cable Polo £27

Celebrate your special day at the Royal Welsh Showground

Set in the heart of beautiful mid-Wales in Builth Wells, the 150 acre showground enjoys a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, providing the perfect backdrop for you to create the wedding of your dreams. With a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, it can offer a rustic or modern feel tailored to your own personal requirements.

Large or intimate, formal or relaxed, there is something here for every couple.

JON IAN

Leading The Way in Local Luxury Shopping

Jon Ian is a luxury fashion boutique located in Cowbridge, Wales. Founded in 1971, by David Thomas. The store has established itself as a premier destination for designer fashion and accessories, offering a carefully curated selection of high-end brands such as Dea Kudibal, Hayley Menzies, Tissa Fontaneda, and Kennel und Schmenger. The boutique launched its Cowbridge store in 1991, with David's daughter Esther now at the helm of the business.

Despite the challenges faced by the retail industry in recent years, Jon Ian has remained a popular destination for fashion lovers in Wales and beyond. The boutique recently made the difficult decision to close its Cardiff store, which had been in operation for over 50 years. The closure, whilst sad, has meant that the team has refocused on their Cowbridge store to ensure that the impeccable customer service that Jon Ian was renowned for in the city centre lives on. The Cowbridge store has continued to thrive, with the team working hard to offer a personalised and tailored shopping experience for every customer who walks through the door. They've also delved into clothing, something that their Cardiff clientele may have yet to experience and trust us, you won't regret it when you do!

One of the things that sets Jon Ian apart from other fashion boutiques is its commitment to styling you from head to toe!

The store's carefully curated collection of clothing, footwear and bags means they can help you with all your fashion woes, whether you're off to a wedding or just fancy a wardrobe re-vamp. The boutique's knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to offer styling advice and help customers find the perfect outfit for any occasion.

The team takes pride in getting to know their customers and building long-term relationships based on trust and a shared love of fashion.

Jon Ian continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer habits. The boutique has a strong online presence, with a user-friendly website that makes it easy for customers to browse and shop their favourite brands from the comfort of their own homes, and they're always on hand to answer any questions you may have whilst doing so.

Overall, while the closure of the Cardiff store was undoubtedly a difficult decision for the Jon Ian team, the boutique has remained focused on providing exceptional service and a carefully curated selection of high-end fashion to its loyal customers. With its commitment to buying the right pieces that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe and outstanding customer service, Jon Ian is sure to remain a beloved fixture of the Welsh fashion scene for many years to come.

www.jonian.co.uk

Shop Local Shop Luxury

Wales’ leading local luxury boutique, based in Cowbridge

www.jonian.shop

Abro Kris Crossbody Bag £199.95

Donna Lei ‘Russ’ Trainer £179.95

Patrizia Bonfanti ‘Carmen’ Boot £279.95

Essentiel Antwerp Dorothy Shirt £229.95

Kennel & Schmenger ‘Diploria’ Mule £289.95

Smythe ‘Pouf’ Jacket £495

Chiara Carrino ‘Cece’ Gold Sandal £199.95

Mercy Delta Pink ‘Penrose’ Dress £449.95

Hayley Menzies Tiger Splash Duster £419.95

Essentiel Antwerp Dora Shopper £169.95

Abro Knotted Handbag £299.95

Dea Kudibal Elinor Floral Jacket £259.95 and Rihanna Trouser £199.95

Update your Wardrobe and Confidence with Jon Ian

Your Local Stylist Specialist

Jon Ian Cowbridge specialises in head-to-toe styling. They carry a huge range of clothing with a particular emphasis on dresses that will work hard for you.

Recently they were tasked with styling a customer for a wedding, a mother of the Groom who wanted to steer clear of the traditional, sometimes dated look that can often be associated with the title.

The customer, Viv, wanted something elegant but bright, two looks that can sometimes be hard to marry (pardon the pun) together, however, the team got to work straight away on pulling some beautiful styles for her to try.

Founder of Jon Ian Esther always says that many dresses look nothing on the hanger, yet transform when on; you have to try them to get a real feel for the garment. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you enter the changing room with a wide range of pieces that might seem out of your comfort zone, as you may be pleasantly surprised by a style you first overlooked.

Dress brand Dea Kudibal is a prime example of this. Their silk dresses have an exceptional fit, exquisite feel and once you put one on, you won’t ever want to take it off! Viv tried on a few of their styles, but after the guidance of the Jon Ian team settled with the beautiful ‘Olga’ dress in the Pink Leaves print. The nipped in waist and handkerchief hem suited Viv’s shape completely

and whilst the colour was bright, the shapely silhouette retained the elegance that Viv wanted. The team opted for an off-white slingback that picked out the lighter pattern running throughout the dress. Viv wanted a closed toe as it was an early Spring wedding, and not too high a heel as we all know weddings can be a long day. The Kennel & Schmenger ‘May’ slingback fit the bill perfectly and finished the outfit off when paired with Essentiel Antwerp's 'Deedee' bag.

Heading on holiday?

Why not ensure your wardrobe is spruced up and ready with a holiday styling session from Jon Ian.

The styling service that Jon Ian offers is impeccable. They never rush a client, and you have their undivided attention, as they help you feel one hundred percent comfortable and gorgeous. Whether you’re after a whole outfit or even just the perfect pair of shoes, Jon Ian have many gorgeous occasion dresses and a fabulous range of casual clothing and accessories.

Whether it’s a special occasion or just some key pieces to freshen up your wardrobe, Jon Ian is the perfect spot for you. www.jonian.shop

Dea Kudibal 'Olga' Dress £459.95

Essentiel Antwerp 'Deedee' Bag £169.95

Kennel & Schmenger 'May' Slingbacks £249.95

QUOTE 'STYLE OF THE CITY'

To receive a complimentary luxury Olaplex conditioning treatment at Josh Lee Hair on your first visit

Dr Andrew Gardiner Aesthetics and Dentistry

Clients are more knowledgeable than ever on treatments and are seeking ways to enhance their looks whilst retaining their sense of identity. With searches for aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry at an all-time high, Dr Andrew proudly flies the flag for the medically-led professionals that have spent years perfecting what they do.

Covering dentistry and aesthetics, Dr Andrew Gardiner has patients that travel from afar to receive their dental care, including Alex Jones of The One Show and Erin Richards, the lead actress in Gotham (who travels from New York) to name just a few, alongside patients from the Middle East and of course closer to home here in our beautiful city.

In response to the overwhelming choice consumers and clients face in an increasingly saturated market, many clients are seeking bespoke solutions that truly meet their needs with a trusted medical professional rather than a one size fits all discount deal situation.

With regulatory changes and licensing on the horizon, safety in aesthetics is being prioritised at a governmental level, alongside an increasing fear of dental work outside of the UK which was once a popular choice (let’s not forget ‘Turkey teeth’).

He is also trained in Invisalign – a removable orthodontic system which is almost unnoticeable when worn, making it an attractive treatment option to correct misaligned teeth. As you can imagine the recent surge in cosmetic procedures it the ‘zoom boom’ has meant he is busier than ever. Veneers were traditionally used for perfect smiles, which potentially could kill the tooth; Invisalign is a non-destructive treatment option. With the addition of bonding and whitening, he creates beautiful smiles with significantly lower risk of problems.

On the subject of whitening, Dr Andrew has partnered with White Dental Beauty and StyleItaliano. He offers the perfect whitening treatment, a unique approach to bleaching and restoring which is a unique blend of White Dental Beauty professional tooth whitening gels and White Dental Beauty

Professional CompoSite Systems. This delivers minimally invasive, predictable and repeatable results.

When it comes to aesthetics trends, 2023 is the year of bespoke treatments and individualised beauty.

As well as dentistry, he has smoothed the foreheads and created beautiful lips for over 15 years. Dr Andrew first started facial aesthetics in 2007 and continues to stay up to date with all the latest techniques and procedures. This also includes extensive training in facial aesthetic treatments, such as facial fillers and line reduction for his international clientele. He also performs a unique and truly life-changing technique in which he transforms residual scars from cleft lip correctional surgery with filler, to balance and create a natural looking lip.

Cosmetic procedures are always a much talked about subject; whether it’s for aesthetics or medical purposes. Dr Andrew is the first to consider the psychological effect as well as the physical and that includes clients from all walks of life.

Championing enhancement over augmentation, Dr Andrew presents an opportunity for continued focus on natural-looking treatments rather than the pre-Covid ‘Love Island’ look.

For medical professionals like Dr Andrew it's more than a trend, it’s the future of aesthetics, dentistry and a way of life.

You can contact Dr Andrew at hello@drandrewdental.com or via Six Gables Dental Practice on 029 2069 3664

Mention this article when you contact him for 10% discount exclusively available for Style of the City readers.

"Dr Andrew presents an opportunity for continued focus on natural-looking treatments"

Beauty @1600

An experienced and entrepreneurial hairdresser based in Swansea has recently launched her own amazing brand of hair extensions.

Thembi from Jeki Salon has been looking after her local community in Swansea for over 15 years and despite the advances that have been made in this niche market, was frequently disappointed at the quality of existing brands and application processes. Regularly seeing clients disappointed with their extensions and having to spend hours in the salon having either repairs or complete removal drove Thembi into finding an alternative product.

Hair extensions have come a long way since their first introduction over 20 years ago and Thembi has seen many changes and improvements over the years. However, the choice has always been limited and the quality of the actual braid was extremely poor. Clients suffered from endless problems such as tangling, shedding and drying out of the actual hair and were frustrated at their cost and poor longevity. After much research, determination and hard work Thembi has launched a new brand – Beauty@1600 – which offers only premium extensions in a huge range of colours and styles with amazing results.

The Range

Beauty@1600 offers a choice of 3 different but exceptional quality hair extensions:

CLASSIC

These extensions are of excellent quality and are the most affordable in the range. They are available in a natural black colour only.

LUXURY

The Luxury range are made from beautiful remy virgin hair and are available in 10 different shades.

PREMIUM

The Premium range is silky smooth with a velvety touch and simply the best quality virgin hair; available in 15 shades.

All 3 ranges come in weft, bonds, micro, nanos, tape-in and clip-ins up to a length of 24 inches. Also in the range are toppers and wigs, which are custom-made to order.

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Beauty@1600 range is even more special by being able to offer hair extensions for those clients with curly hair. Sourcing quality curly hair has always been hard work, but Thembi has now sourced a premium product which is available in over 10 different curl types with 5 different application methods available to suit all hair types.

Thembi prides herself on her customer service and treats clients like family. She believes that she can now cater for all hair types, budgets and colours and has the right product to match her unique clientele. There really is no excuse now to look your best! Take a trip to Jeki Salon and see and feel for yourself the wonderful array of products.

Beauty@1600 can be found on all social media platforms, including FB and Instagram. All extensions can be purchased on the website too –www.beauty@1600.com.

Coffee Breaks Just Got FABULOUS!

Hi darlings!

Thank you for picking up this issue of Style of the City, you know we love to keep you up to date on all things happening with Spectrum and most recently, we've branched out into our own coffee shop, The Beauty Spot in Romilly Park in our hometown of Barry.

The Beauty Spot is a venture we've been working on for quite some time now, it was a labour of love as we had to convert an old disused Victorian shelter into a fully functioning coffee shop which was no easy task, but it's definitely worth it.

We are huge fans of coffee and cakes, and we love nothing more than a lunchtime walk and a good coffee to clear our minds and stay focused, so why not combine two of our loves into a project that we think would also be loved by our community. Romilly Park is a gorgeous spot so where better to position our first Beauty Spot.

We serve Hardlines coffee which is a local roastery and is really high quality, locally made cakes and bakes and of course as we are in a park, we offer snacks suitable for children as well as treats for adults and our puppacinos for our favourite furry friends.

If you'd like to pop down and try for yourselves we'd love to see you. We're a friendly team and hope you think our coffee and cakes hit the spot’.

www.spectrumcollections.com @spectrumcollections

Here’s What’s New at Spectrum Collections

Spectrum Deluxe 20 Piece Pink Brush Set

Sculpt and shade then buff and blend your way to flawless makeup application with a professional finish with the deluxe 20 piece brush set. Finished in an elegant rosy red the glossy wooden handles are topped with silky-soft vegan bristles and a beautiful brushed brass ferrule to ensure this brush set offers premium quality whilst adding a touch of elegance to your makeup station.

Sculpt By Spectrum 30 Piece Brush Set In Collaboration With Celebrity Makeup Artist Ash K Holm

The set, composed from the finest materials in the makeup brush industry and tested over years in the hands of Ash are the tools behind some of the most iconic A-list beauty looks in recent history.

Each brush in the collection of 30 has been meticulously crafted, weighted and measured by hand to the highest specifications, creating tools with the perfect balance of beauty and workmanship that the finest artists in the industry demand.

‘To Have And To Hold’ 10 Piece Bridal Set

Presented in a keepsake tube the luxurious brushes topped with ‘something blue’ bristles and pearlescent white handles combine essential complexion, eye and detail brushes to provide every tool needed to get aisle-ready.

GELIDA® is a UK-based Aesthetics Device Supplier set to infiltrate and benefit the medical aesthetic industries with revolutionary wellness technologies. To them, the future of aesthetics is a holistic one, as their devices support rejuvenation and regeneration from the inside out.

They set out to reform the aesthetics industry with treatments and technologies that not only provide exceptional aesthetic results but are also proven to improve the body’s health and well-being, tapping into their core messaging of – Physical, Mental & Emotional. Their treatments are also proving extremely popular amongst celebrities, including the likes of Judy Murray, Pixie Lott, Amy Jackson and Jo Wood.

Combining Technology & Wellness for a Holistic Approach to the Aesthetic Device Industry

Co-Founded by Jade Comery & Susan Mills, they both have over 50 years’ worth of combined experience in the health and wellness sectors, delivering a wealth of knowledge and experience to the GELIDA® brand. As beauty and aesthetic clinic owners themselves, they understand both the business side and the client's needs. It is this knowledge, alongside their innovative technologies that enables them to introduce outstanding equipment they know clients will love and trust.

GELIDA® has launched six technologies for the face, body, mind and rehabilitation. These include:

Waves 21– a unique device that offers a completely new methodology in fat freezing, including targeting visceral fat. With a combination of techniques including gentle metameric stimulation, cryolipolysis and Violet LED, they work together to target fat cells in the treated area, as well as help with lymphatic circulation, providing internal rebalancing and improving the overall strength of bodily functions.

Cryo 21 – this targets fat cells by creating a thermal shock that lowers the surface temperature and permanently removes the fat cells via apoptosis. Apoptosis naturally occurs in the body, with this treatment simply speeding up the process for immediate results in both the face and body.

IO-S21 – a new non-invasive muscle toning device with seven electrostimulation programs that target specific muscle groups. Just one treatment is the equivalent of a 3-hour gym session!

Touchskin 21 – this advanced plasma sublimation device works by creating plasma on the skin surface directed by ‘earthed’ pinpoint precision to remove targeted excess surface skin and is ideal for smaller, more delicate areas. It works by effectively removing the dead outer layer of skin, activating the fibroblasts in the lower dermis and pushing new skin cells closer to the surface.

I-Tech 21 – a physical and neurological holistic micro-current treatment that uses specific electric

waveforms to incorporate different wavelengths and frequencies of the visible spectrum. These are combined with LED headsets that include all colours of the spectrum. This treatment has noticeable benefits on the skin, body and mind, including skin tightening, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement of stretch marks and inner arm/ thigh tightening, alongside relaxation, cellular balancing and helping with concerns such as bruxism and insomnia.

GELIDA® strives to empower its partners with the knowledge, techniques and technologies that will help their clients feel as good on the inside, as they look on the outside.

GELIDA WAVES 21

An award-winning, revolutionary device targeting visceral and subcutaneous fat for fat loss, skin tightening and rebalancing of the body.

GELIDA are making waves in the aesthetics industry, with their innovative Waves21 device delivering results in fat loss and skin tightening. This device works to reduce both visceral fat and subcutaneous fat in the body, which before now has been almost impossible to address with other technology, providing a completely new methodology for fat freezing. Using a manual handle, rather than suction cups, this device eliminates any pain, bruising and swelling, as well as the risk of adverse reactions, resulting in a pain-free, non-invasive treatment with no downtime. Benefits of the device include:

· Reduction in localised abdominal fat, compact fat & cellulite

· Improvement in the appearance of cellulite

· Treatment of the ‘Buffalo Hump’

How Does It Work?

· Skin Tightening

· Pain relief

· Detoxification of the body

· Cellular Activator

· Improvement of collagen production

GELIDA Waves 21 uses a unique combination of three independent technologies to treat the root of the problem, rather than tackle what’s on the surface. These include gentle metameric stimulation, where a sinusoidal waveform is emitted and generated at particular frequencies corresponding to brain waves in specific phases.

Metameres are the eleven muscle groups located on the back, with each one linked to a certain region that corresponds to a particular organ or group of organs. These metameres naturally deteriorate during the ageing process and the Waves21 device revitalises these bands, restoring and rebalancing bodily activities. For example, if a concern was a lack of function of the bladder, Waves21 can stimulate the specific metameric area of intervention to create a positive impact on the function, resulting in improved health concerns.

Combining this with Cryolipolysis at temperatures of -15° and Ultraviolet Light, Waves21 is able to target fat cells in the treated area, as well as help with poor lymphatic circulation. It also works to relax the muscles and energise the organs, providing internal rebalancing and improving the overall strength of bodily function.

When Will I See Results?

Results are visible and measurable from the first session, as well as being long-lasting. The number of sessions will vary between clients, with a recommended course of 8-12 treatments to achieve best results.

www.gelidamedica.co.uk @gelida.co.uk

GELIDA treatments are now available at Rosmedics in Wales www.rosmedics.co.uk with their flagship clinic at Tempus in London www.tempusbelgravia.co.uk

credit: Royal Welsh Agriculture Society

Peterstone Lakes

Choosing the right venue for your wedding can be daunting and extremely stressful. You have been dreaming of this day since forever and the pressure is on to make it as perfect as possible. The wedding team at Peterstone Lakes have made it their mission to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, stress-free and most importantly, is a truly magical day enjoyed by all.

The Venue

This fresh, and newly refurbished wedding venue lies on the cusp of Newport and Cardiff, nestled in acres of beautiful Welsh countryside. The venue offers two separate function rooms and an intimate courtyard, all of which are fully licensed for civil ceremonies

Both function rooms include fully licensed bars which are manned by friendly staff. There is a huge array of beverages to choose from and a large selection of champagnes. Bar staff are included within the package and will stay with your guests until 1am.

The venue not only boasts beautiful indoor rooms and surrounding countryside views, there are also picturesque lakes situated within the grounds which are perfect for photo opportunities. Have a look at previous weddings to see the beautiful moments that were captured. You may even request little trips around the venue on their golf buggies to make your day a little bit different!

The Crystal Suite

Holds up to 220 guests

Purpose built, the newly refurbished ‘Crystal Suite’ allows you to host your civil ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening reception all under one roof with a capacity of 220 guests.

Boasting panoramic views of the rolling countryside and pristine golf course, guests can enjoy the views whatever the weather. Our grounds and terrace provide ample opportunities for photographs that you’ll cherish forever.

The Wedding Food

The most important part of any celebration is of course the food! At Peterstone Lakes, food is their speciality. Their highly trained chefs offer custom made and bespoke dishes to suit every taste and need, with every dish achieving the ‘WOW’ factor that your guest will love. There are plenty of food tastings during the preparation stage to ensure your choice is perfect for the day. Intrigued? Then pop along to the venue and enjoy one of their Sunday lunches, which are served on a weekly basis all year round.

The Fairways Suite

Holds up to 75 guests

For smaller, more intimate weddings, you can choose to say your vows in the ‘Fairways’, with capacity for 75 guests to enjoy your ceremony with you. With access to a brand-new, refurbished balcony, you and your guests can soak up the stunning views of the immaculate golf course, gardens and distance fields.

The Team

The friendly team at Peterstone Lakes have over 30 years of experience organising weddings and make it their goal to ensure ‘a perfect unforgettable day’. They will welcome you and take you on a tour of the venue and the grounds so that you can see all what this venue can offer. The wedding coordinators are always on hand to help and assist the wedding party during the planning and preparation stage and on the big day itself. The team prides itself on offering a personal bespoke service to ensure a unique and special day. Check out their 5star online reviews.

If you wish for a peaceful and tranquil setting for your wedding, with fantastic photo opportunities and gorgeous food and drinks, then look no further than Peterstone Lakes! Please feel free to contact one of the wedding coordinators for an initial no obligation chat about the available packages and start planning your big day!

www.peterstonelakes.com

WEDDINGS

What now? Breathe...

Award winning Wedding Planner and venue stylist Paula Burns, helps you to take the anxiety out of your planning.

There are so many big decisions to make when planning a wedding and choosing a venue is by far the biggest one you will make.

Many couples cannot wait to start experiencing the grandeur of beautiful wedding spaces and imagining themselves right at the centre of things on their special day.

But as special as this experience is, there are many things to consider when making your visits and finally coming to a decision.

Providing you have done your homework, your visits should be narrowed down based on your budget, vision for your day and all of the things that are important to you.

Take

So for instance, if your budget is on the more conservative side, you may be inclined to explore package options, where everything is included. But be aware that these packages could be quite standard and may limit you. Or a blank canvas may be your preference, as this type of venue will allow you to bring in as little or as much as you desire. One thing you should be aware of if your do choose this option, is that you will be responsible for bringing everything together; this means additional work for you or your wedding party. That is of course if you don't have a wedding planner!

It's easy to get carried away with fairytale mansions & castles with acres of grounds, but prices will be on the higher side for these types

of venues. These types of venues are ideal if outside space is a big factor for you.

My suggestion is not to rule out venues that aren't typically in the wedding bracket. These type of venues tend to be a lot more flexible in terms of what you are able to do, and give you the opportunity to put your own stamp on your day. Remember, what worked for someone else, won't necessarily work for you. Take some time to write a full list of all the activities you would like to take place as part of your experience. Then discuss this list in detail with the venues when you visit.

As more and more couples seek out the quirky & unusual, venue options continue to grow more and more every year, so never under estimate how long this process could take.

You will find so much more about how to choose a venue in my Ultimate Guide to Starting your Wedding Plans which you can download from the shop on my web site www.paulaburns.net. You will find information about venue types, pros & cons of each type, as well as how to stay on top of venue restrictions.

Until next time, enjoy your planning and... don't forget to breathe x

some time to write a full list of all the activities you would like to take place as part of your experience.

Elin & Lloyd

Share Their Special Day with Style of the City

University sweethearts, Elin and Lloyd, were searching for a venue as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. They tied the knot at one of Wales’ most exclusive and popular wedding venues, Fairyhill by Oldwalls.

How did you first meet?

Lloyd and I were in the same Uni halls at Cardiff University. We were introduced by various friends within the block and then officially met in the student union. We became friends first and then after one Tiger Tiger night, the rest is history…

How did he propose?

Lloyd is not the most subtle of people and is definitely not great with surprises…

We went to Tuscany, Italy and Lloyd had planned it all, which was suspicious as I usually plan the holidays. The week before he was asking questions like ‘If we were to get engaged what type of ring would you want?’

When we got to the airport, he wanted a lock for the suitcase and had to talk me through every step of the process. He even noticed I hadn’t had my nails done and asked ‘do you think you should get your nails done?’ He thought he was totally subtle!

When we got to Tuscany, he’d organised a menu tasting at a Michelin star restaurant in our hotel. We both dressed up, and he was very nervous. There were only three other people in the restaurant, so it was nice and intimate. After we had dessert, he got down on one knee and proposed.

Where did you get married? Fairyhill by Oldwalls.

Photography: The Wedding Guys

What attracted you to the venue?

I was torn between two venues. I decided on Fairyhill as it’s got that traditional house feel, the oldy worldly heritage with a modern twist with the K room. You get the best of both worlds. The grounds are also stunning! The biggest thing for me, was finding a venue that suited all weathers, we don’t know what the weather in Wales will be like, so it was important to find somewhere which had beauty and magic not only outside, but inside too. The K room finished it off. You walk in and you’re like ‘wow’. It takes your breath away!

What was your wedding theme?

Colour wise we had our bridesmaids in blush and groomsmen in a duck egg/ pale blue. Our stationery complemented those colours.

What stationery did you have?

We had loads of quirky bits and pieces. We had a table map designed which showed where in the world people were sitting. Lloyd and I have been together 11 years and we’ve travelled everywhere so each table was based on a country that we’d been to. We also put a little story of something that happened in that country on the table to make it more personal.

Love Ellie Letters designed everything by hand and it was amazing.

What did you wear? Tell us about your gown…

I honestly didn’t think I would be that person to say ‘I’m wearing a Vera’ the dresses are amazing, but I never thought I’d get one myself. I was out with my friend, and she happened to say that The Wedding Gallery do Vera and before I knew it my friend had booked me in!

We went to the shop, tried on a few dresses. Some were ridiculous and we had a lot of fun. The last dress I tried on, didn’t look much on the hanger, but I tried it on anyway and it was perfect!

I looked in the mirror and thought ‘Oh my God!’ it was fitted, had a lovely cut at the front but not too revealing. It gave it that modern edge. I didn’t want a fish tail, but this was subtle, it came out at the bottom and the train was amazing!

How did your dress make you feel?

It made me feel like a million bucks! It was the perfect dress! I just wanted to feel ‘this is me’ and the dress did exactly that. I felt like a movie star going to the Oscars.

It was a simple dress, no lace, very classic plus I got to wear it more than once!

Holm is where the heart is…

The pretty boutique hotel offers everything you could dream of for a chic and sophisticated wedding day experience, whether you’re looking for an exclusive wedding for up to 85 day guests, or a more intimate affair for your nearest and dearest, Holm House has flexible options to suit all.

The luxury venue boasts several stylish reception spaces that will be transformed to host your ceremony (fully licensed), wedding breakfast and evening celebration. 12 luxurious bedrooms including a honeymoon suite plus a picturesque garden and terrace with stunning views of the pier and beyond.

With its homely relaxing feel and stunning feature fire-place, Holm Houses’ newly refurbished lounge space sets the perfect scene for intimate ceremonies of up to 40 guests. For larger weddings the restaurant will be transformed into a ‘chapel style’ set up, offering spectacular views of the stunning gardens and the sea. There are also several nearby churches and places of worship if you require a religious ceremony.

Food and drink wise, you will be spoilt for choice. Holm Houses’ award winning restaurant is widely recognised as a jewel in Penarth’s crown and can host up to 85 for the wedding breakfast and 120 for the evening reception, whilst their stunning new private dining room, The Nest, is perfect for intimate celebrations of up to 12 guests. The wedding breakfast menu offers classic British dishes executed to perfection using the finest locally sourced produce. Much of the menu’s inspiration is derived from the coastal setting. In addition to the wedding breakfast Holm offers several delicious canapé and evening buffet options as well as a fully stocked bar boasting fine wines and a fabulous cocktail menu. You will even be invited to a complimentary food and

Located in the picturesque market town of Penarth, just a stone’s throw from Penarth Pier, Holm House offers the perfect location for your special day.

wine tasting, allowing you to carefully select the perfect options for your special day.

General manager, Daniel Jones says:

lends itself to creating a real ‘house party’ vibe. Guests can tear up the dancefloor, prop up the bar or enjoy a chat and the romantic scenery of the garden terrace at night. They offer several delicious buffet and street food style menus including outdoor barbeque options to suitably impress your guests.

"As an independent boutique hotel we can offer the flexibility that ensures every last detail is as you dreamed. Whether you’re looking for the big white wedding, or perhaps it’s a second marriage and you want a low key celebration, we have experience to make it special.”

For the evening celebrations, Holm House will be transformed into a party setting with ample space for a dancefloor, DJ or band. The venue

After a day of celebrations you and your lucky chosen guests can conveniently retire to your gorgeous rooms before waking up to a full Welsh breakfast. We highly recommend that the newlyweds bolt on an extra night to enjoy a minimoon. Relax and unwind with the ultimate luxury couples massage in the renowned Elemis urban spa, what better way to start your happily ever after?

Visit the website to download the wedding brochure and find more:

www.holmhousehotel.com

“At Holm House we pride ourselves on tailoring our wedding packages to suit the vision of the happy couple."

Stylish Bridesmaid's Dresses from £75

Wedding season is upon us and it’s time to get ready for a bloom of love and happiness. Weddings are often circulated around the bride and how she looks, as it should be because it is her day, but let’s not forget the bridesmaids. And what better way to say let’s go shopping like shopping at ‘Club L London’. There they have a range of new dresses to inspire and be in awe of especially their ‘One To Remember’ collection. clubllondon.com

Say I do to the perfect bridesmaid’s dresses

Royal Welsh Showground Wedding Venue

The Royal Welsh Showground is the ideal place to celebrate your special day –no matter what type of wedding you are planning; large or intimate, formal, or rustic… there is something for everyone.

Set in the heart of beautiful mid-Wales, the 150-acre showground enjoys a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, providing the perfect backdrop for you to create the wedding of your dreams, and our dedicated team is on hand to ensure that your day is every bit as wonderful as you imagine.

With a large range of different venues to choose from, and even options to put up a marquee, the showground offers couples a huge amount of choice to plan the perfect wedding day, whatever the weather. All our venues on the showground offer ample parking, ticking one more thing off your wedding planning list!

Wedding Ceremonies

We have two licensed venues on the showground allowing you to hold both your ceremony and reception with us.

The picturesque bandstand situated in the heart of the showground is available to hire for civil ceremonies. Up to 30 guests can be seated within the bandstand for an intimate ceremony or for larger parties, guests can be seated within the surrounding grassed lawn in front. With splendid views from the balcony the International Pavilion provides an ideal location for your wedding ceremony, and also reception. The two-storey building is complete with disabled lift to the first floor.

By holding both your ceremony and reception at the showground, not only will you cut down on the travelling for you and your guests, but you will also be able to spend the whole day making memories and enjoying yourselves.

Receptions & Celebrations

We have a variety of different spaces available to hire for wedding receptions, accommodating from 30 to 400 guests.

The Members Centre boasts superb views from the balcony overlooking the Main Ring. With beautiful hardwood floors, tall ceilings and an inviting ambience, the Members Centre is the ideal place for guests to relax and enjoy the party. This building is often lined with an indoor marquee to create a more intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Montgomery Pavilion has a rustic feel with its red bricked walls and high ceilings. The perfect location for hosting large wedding parties and receptions.

Hafod a Hendre is a large conference building. Equipped with a full kitchen and bar area, Hafod a Hendre is an ideal location for large wedding receptions and parties.

Get in Touch

The true beauty of the showground and vast amount of choice on offer must be seen to be believed. Come along and see for yourself. Take the opportunity to have a guided tour of the site and talk through all the options available with a member of the team. We would be delighted to hear about your plans for your big day!

Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 35Y.

Telephone: 01982 553683

E-mail: events@rwas.co.uk

Website: rwas.wales

Facebook:

@RoyalWelshAgriculturalSociety

Instagram: royal_welsh_show

THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY CAKES

The Vale Cake Boutique is run by Award Winning wedding cake designer

Zoe O’Sullivan, from her Cake and Coffee Boutique in Barry, South Wales. Here she shares with Style of the City all about her incredible cake brand.

Designing wedding cakes for over 10 years, 2021 was the year that we took the plunge and moved into a beautiful shop on High Street in Barry, South Wales. We now create our bespoke luxury cakes here, as well as providing the most gorgeous coffee, brunch and afternoon teas in our beautiful shop. Our mission is to provide the best personal service to all our clients, ensuring a friendly and personal journey from start to finish. I strive to ensure that you enjoy your experience with The Vale Cake Boutique and most importantly… that you love your bespoke dream wedding cake!

We work closely with our couples to get a real feel for their whole day. From the guest numbers, the venue all the way through to the decoration and styling of the day. This gives us a chance to get a real feel for the styling of your day and how we can ensure your cake fits in the dream day perfectly.

Having a consultation at our beautiful shop is a real treat. You are welcomed with a complimentary glass of fizz to begin our design and taster session. You will sample our most popular cake flavours, whilst designing the size and style of your cake, building those flavours into what will be your dream cake for the big day.

Our service includes full set up and delivery of your cake on the day, liaising with the venue and florists all the way, to ensure there is no added stress to the planning of your day.

We hope to welcome you to our beautiful boutique soon.

VCB, 8 High Street, Barry, VOG, CF62 7DZ

Tel: 014 4674 1511

VCB_Coffee_Boutique

Thevalecakeboutique

www.thevalecakeboutique.com

The Ghanaian Fante Dancehall Reggae artist Kahpun who has been working exclusively in Wales since August 2022 is now ready to release his long-awaited Solo Album ‘The Dice’ which he says comprises of 12 of his masterpieces of artistic creative musical entertainment that well represents the beating heart of Africa as well as her soul. An excited Kahpun says:

THE EAGLE SOARS AGAIN

choice until he had spent some time in the UK studying the music scene particularly the fans as he wanted to ensure that the mix was right for her and abroad.

Kahpun says he chose to name the Album The Dice because of the symbolism of what it stands for, its nature & origin being an ancient & spiritual seeker and as all things associated with Kahpun, he weaved and twisted his own heartfelt meaning into the title.

‘DICE stands for Decision-making, Intuition, Consciousness and Emotion. The acronym captures our interest in how our everyday decisions, judgements, reasoning and behaviour are directed by a complex interplay between conscious and unconscious processes and are influenced by both intuition and emotion’.

DICE as a concept was influential in the timing of the release of the Album being 3rd June 2023 as Kahpun celebrates his birthday on 6th June and Wales being his current location is where the Album will launch first.

Country that he will never forget the love and support that he received from them when he was emerging as an artist starting out on a journey often set with traps, snares and pits full of vipers and rodents.

The journey has not always been easy, and the path was not always clear, but when you have an ability to turn an experience good or bad and you apply The DICE – you end up with a song that resonates with many and certainly with those who may have has similar experiences.

‘I recognise that I did not do this alone and along the way many people have influenced the final version of The Dice Album and I want to say a big THANK YOU to all the producers that worked with me to fuse the music and blend the words and to my fans I send my LOVE and RESPECT and I ask that you watch this space, there is more to come and you will not be disappointed.'

The Dice by Kahpun will be released on 3 June 2023

Kahpun says that he took his time in selecting the right songs for this Album and did not make his final

A second Launch in July 2023 will take place in Ghana where he will be present in his home Country making it clear to his fans back in his home

"I AM EAGER TO LEARN WHICH OF THE MASTERPIECES ARE CLAIMED BY MY FANS AS THEIR FAVOURITES SINCE IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME WITH MY HEAD IN HEADPHONES AND AT THE WRITING DESK WORKING ON THE DICE ALBUM AS WELL AS MY OTHER PROJECTS."

GHANAIAN MUSIC ARTIST BASED IN BARRY, RELEASES HIS LONG AWAITED ALBUM

35 years in a staggering career where she’s grown her passion into a delivery of empowerment and ‘Girl Boss’ attitude

How an Ambitious Mumpreneur Became the Leading Event Planner for the Rich and Famous

Liz Taylor is an inspirational single mum, from Manchester, who became the leading event planner for the rich and famous. The celebrities she has done weddings for include Eamonn and Ruth (who are now friends of hers). Respected, renowned and with a feared attention to detail, this formidable organiser of luxury events counts many of her celebrity clients as trusted friends. Over decades her determination and success has attracted the rich and famous together with an eclectic international client base allowing her to travel the world organising some of the most memorable parties imaginable.

Taylor Made, her fascinating biography which will now be released as an audiobook, is the fascinating story of an unflappable, unstoppable entrepreneur and organiser of some of the biggest and best A-List parties in the world. But behind the glamorous lifestyle, it is also a tale of juggling single motherhood, three failed marriages, betrayal, recessions, and her own mental health struggles. It explores how this inspiring woman had the determination to survive, succeed and go on to build an enviable multimillion-pound events empire.

Liz is giving us an insight in what it is like being a successful entrepreneur and all while juggling motherhood.

What does your typical day look like?

Nothing in my day is typical. Generally, though, it starts at 7am with my bike. Post knee injury I cant use the treadmill but exercise first thing is my thinking space and many a crazy idea has been brought to life on that morning burst of energy! Then I embark on clearing the emails that my insomniac clients and international suppliers have sent me through the night.

A quick hello and a sugar free latte from Café Nero in town and I’m into my central Manchester office. The chaos ensues! The phones ring hot and the inbox explodes into life. Yes, I am megabusy! Most days I’ll have meetings, zooms and facetimes, interrupted at noon for my ritual of speaking to my grandchildren in the USA. Often midday is a menu tasting with clients or talking business with contacts over lunch. The afternoon sees me interacting and immersive with my team. I’m planning meetings with florists or lighting technicians and doing the creative magic that I love. I try to wind down around 5pm and head home before rush hour.

It’s a quick change and then either heading out for dinner with a select inner circle or watching Coronation Street. I know!! Of course, if we have an event that night, 5pm sees me heading off to a venue. An update with my events director and putting the final touches to a corporate dinner or party, Success complete – it’s an uber home at 1am.

Who was your favourite client that you've worked with? And what was the event for?

That’s impossible to answer. I have worked with some incredible people – from blushing brides to sports stars, music icons and a host of business and political leaders. I suppose one of the most amazing events, was planning the Winter Whites Ball at Kensington Palace for HRH The Prince of Wales. It was a star-studded charity event and a

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

who’s who of international business, music, and celebrity. The level of detail needed in the planning was extraordinary. The challenge huge. The timescale for me – three weeks! But when Prince William joined Taylor Swift and Jon Bon Jovi on stage to sing Livin on a Prayer, I honestly had to pinch myself. It was the most incredible and surreal moment.

What's been the biggest event you've planned and how did you go about preparing for it?

The organisation of any large-scale event needs a keen eye for detail. However, when the bride’s vision involves a bespoke-built nightclub, a wedding breakfast in the backdrop of a magical garden, a Game of Thrones inspired wedding feast complete with medieval village and sunken banqueting hall, AND a guest appearance by the couple’s favourite band Texas. Well, that’s when a little bit of my event planner magic goes a long way!

It was a two-day wedding with a big price tag, and therefore, huge expectations. The wedding marquee-build started 10 days prior to the event; it wasn’t just a simple structure. The bride envisaged a magical garden for the wedding breakfast marquee. This included a huge central orchid tree and floral canopy, scenic stone tables and an abundance of flowing ivory drapes. It looked sensational. Day two took the form of a medieval banquet. A Game of Thrones inspired wedding feast. Here the wedding party spent the whole day in the grounds dressed in medieval clothing and had to gain entry to a purpose-built medieval village. It ended with a feast to rival that of any Winterfell celebration – a banquet room complete with a sunken floor and long wooden tables.

To ensure both parties were ready in time – we produced a two levels concept for the event. Firstly, the Game of Thrones inspired wedding feast marquee was built. It was dressed and then covered with the magical garden marquee. After the wedding reception finished on the Saturday, we then ripped out the magical garden to reveal the banquet underneath. We worked through the night to complete the build of the medieval marquee. It was intricate and challenging, and utterly incredible!

How do you juggle all

your achievements? (Being a mother, businesswoman etc).

When I was younger it was always about supporting my two daughters, but that meant hiring an au pair and not seeing them as much as I wanted. I haven’t made that same decision with my grandkids. Although they live in New York and London, I see them as often as I can. Thanks to technology, we can video call daily. They are my priority, so I’ve surrounded myself with the best, hardworking team to support me with the events. Their skills and dedication are vital to my success. It allows me to take a breather occasionally and prioritise myself. I won’t lie though. It’s hard as I’m still very hands-on with the event planning, plus my public speaking and podcast. My phone is never far from me. I am emailing late at night and early in the morning. So, switching off is a real test. I tend to make the very most of every free moment possible. I invest in good holidays, an annual detox in Turkey, trips to the big apple, and accrue frequent flyer miles on the train to London. There I am glam-ma to my two UKbased grandchildren. And I love it.

What would your advice be to someone who was doubting themselves about starting their own empire?

The worst that can happen is that you don’t succeed. Come to terms and plan for that eventuality. Once you accept the worst-case scenario and know how you would cope, it’s all success from there. Making bold choices is key. And for me, it is all about trusting your instincts and following your gut. Network like crazy. Surround yourself with a talented support team. And remember, budding entrepreneurs can certainly learn others in business, but should also be prepared to carve their own path. If your idea doesn’t fit the norm – who cares – if it achieves your goal, it’s a success.

Liz Taylor is the CEO of leading event planners, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (www.tlc-ltd.co.uk), whose client list is a ‘who’s who’ of the celebrity, sports, business, and entertainment world. Liz is also a successful hospitality and luxury brand consultant, podcaster and motivational speaker with her sister business, Liz Taylor Consultancy www.liz-taylor-consulting.co.uk).

“I lay bare my soul for one reason; to help others see that no matter how desperate things may seem, you can claw your way back.”

TI

THE UK’S ONLY DISTILLERY IN A 17 TH CENTURY CASTLE

Come along to South Wales’ first full scale gin distillery, visitor experience, gin school and bottling plant.

Just outside Cardiff in the heart of the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan countryside you’ll find our gin distillery brewing nicely in the cellars of the 17th century Hensol Castle. The combination of Hensol Castle which is steeped in history together with the modern vibes and fun nature of gin, creates a truly distinctive experience. So no matter how far you’ve travelled you’re sure to have a great time.

We are delighted that the attraction was awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award after receiving over 100 5* reviews from visitors.

HENSOL CASTLE

DISTILLERY | VISITOR EXPERIENCE | GIN SCHOOL

GUIDED GIN TOUR & TASTING (1.5 hours) only £25 per person

Visitors will be treated to a story-filled guided journey of the distillery learning all about the history of Hensol Castle, the origins of gin, the wonders of botanicals and our distilling process, but always making sure there’s still plenty of time left for the all-important gin tasting!

INCLUDES:

• Arrival gin and tonic

• Guided tour of the distillery

• Visit the botanical room

• Tutored gin tasting

• Gin and tonic in the bar

£5 off

As a Style of the City reader we’d like to offer you £5 off a Tour and Tasting Experience using code STYLE5 in the booking process.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Hey Guys,

My name is Shelma Dei, my love for food stems from my childhood and also from being rather fussy when it comes to food. I am very passionate about food and love to create dishes that spring into mind. I love experimenting with different ingredients, often things you wouldn’t expect. Follow @cookingbydei

Spaghetti,

but not as you know it

Clams with Spaghetti & Butter Sauce

Serves 4

• Sea salt

• 1 pound of linguine

• 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup of finely chopped shallots, from two shallots

• 6 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped

• 1 cup dry white wine

• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes

• 2 pounds of clams, scrubbed

• 4 tablespoons of vegetable stock

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest

Method

Boil the pasta according to the package directions, in lightly salted water with a drop of olive oil, for about 8 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

In the meantime, add the butter to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until garlic gives off a

strong aroma. Add the white wine and cook until the liquid starts to boil, then add the clams to pan. Cook over medium heat until all the clams open wide.

Drain the pasta and add to pan containing the clams and sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add a small amount of the pasta water with vegetable stock broth to the white

wine and garlic sauce and mix well before removing from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste and fresh parsley, stirring to combine and then serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Garnish again with parsley. Follow @cookingbydei for more delicious recipes

Shelma Dei shares her mouth-watering:

IMAGINE IF YOU COULD WALK AWAY WITH A BEAUTIFUL NEW SMILE ON THE SAME DAY...

...at Fusion Dentistry, you can. Their highly experienced team has decades of experience in creating beautiful smiles in South Wales – not just for patients who want to make a cosmetic improvement but for those who never thought they could have new teeth.

Have you previously been told you are not a suitable candidate for dental implants? At Fusion, they have yet to see a patient that they cannot help.

AWARD WINNING TEAM

Mike Fuse, a leading clinical dental technician, has over 20 years experience in the dental industry – creating teeth and dentures for thousands of patients. Mike graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons of England with a diploma in Clinical Dental Technology which enables him to treat patients directly.

‘’It is clear to me that far too many people suffer discomfort and pain from sore gums and decayed teeth. Even the best made dentures are a poor substitute for natural teeth. Dentistry is about making the whole person look and feel better and this is the reason I created Fusion where everything is under one roof and we can provide patients with same day teeth’’.

‘’I am passionate about the best products and giving people the smile they have always dreamed of. We are about giving people teeth for life that leave them feeling self assured and with the confidence to show their new smile,’’ Mike says. ‘’Fusion offers a relaxed environment and we use state of the art materials, CAD/ CAM and 3D printing systems, the latest bio engineering techniques plus meticulous planning and attention to details. The result is that we can fully restore a smile with teeth in a single day with precision placement of dental implants and new arches of teeth.’’

Mike has assembled a team of the best dental professionals for Fusion, including Dr Guy McLellan who is doubly qualified in dentistry and medicine and has over 25 years experience working with dental implants. “Our team all have extensive knowledge in dental implants and experience working with nervous patients and will ensure that your treatment journey is seamless and tailored specifically for your needs.”

before after

SAME DAY TEETH

If you suffer with missing or loose teeth or struggle with wobbly, uncomfortable dentures then same day teeth could be the perfect solution for you. Same day dental implant solutions at Fusion mean you are never left without teeth. Unlike other implant treatments, which require you to wear temporary dentures for many months, same day teeth uses technology that allows you to leave the practice with your new smile.

Fusion’s relaxing, home-from-home setting will put you at ease and with finance solutions available, they make it easy to spread the cost of your treatment.

What are you waiting for? To book go to fusiondentistry.co.uk or call 029 2021 4304

Fusion was the most affordable quote I had compared to the others for the complex treatment that I needed. But amazingly, they were so high standard (I have been to a few dentists over the years!) When they showed me around their clinic & laboratory, all in one building, it was beautiful, clean and the staff were always friendly and courteous. I didn’t have any pain after the operation which was a big surprise. Now I have beautiful teeth and I don’t feel ashamed anymore. Their aftercare is excellent too. I would recommend Fusion with a big, confident smile! I am so happy – thank you Fusion!

Mike Fuse

Mike Fuse is a dental innovator and entrepreneur who has been revolutionising the field of dentistry since setting up Fusion Dentistry 2016.

How long have you been in dentistry? And why did you get into it? Over 25 years. I got into it as the cad/cam digital side of dentistry was just beginning and it was very exciting to bring that to life. We were the first clinic in Wales to take on digital dentistry and it still excites me to have the latest technology and advances that enables us to provide 5* treatment options for all patients. Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular? Dentistry has been in my family for many years, my dad was a dental technician. I travelled for years around the UK with Guy delivering exceptional implant treatments for so many patients and quickly discovered there wasn’t a clinic like Fusion in

south Wales. So in 2015 the idea of Fusion was born and we brought the same day teeth concept to Cardiff! Why is Fusion different? Fusion is just what our name suggests – it’s a Fusion of experts in their field that come together as a team to provide the very best treatment options for patients. We are unlike other dental practices offering lots of different treatments. We have chosen to only provide dental implant and cosmetic smile makeovers treatments meaning we are doing many of these cases each week to an amazing standard. We are also

different as we have everything under one roof, including a dental laboratory meaning all our teeth are made on site.

Can a smile makeover really be completed in 1 day? Yes! Our main treatment is an option called All on 4 where all teeth are replaced using dental implants. The implants are placed in the morning and the teeth are fitted in the afternoon – it really is amazing!

Fun fact: I really enjoying cycling and have done many charity bike rides including charity rides with our dental implant company – Straumann.

Guy McLellan

Dr Guy McLellan BDS FDS RCS (Eng) MBBS, Dental Implant Surgeon. How long have you practised dentistry and why did you get into it? 30 years qualified since 1993. One of my parents good friends was a dentist and he was an inspiration to me as a child.

Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular? Huge difference you can make to patients lives, transforming patients lives & still getting enjoyment out of patients reaction when they see their new smile (especially when they cry!) What is the most rewarding part of your job? Changing lives, giving patients fixed teeth in 1 day it’s truly amazing the difference we make. At Fusion, we’re so passionate about providing 5* treatment and customer service, it’s a great team to be a part of.

Highlight of your career so far? Graduating as a medical doctor at Southwark Cathedral.

Top tips: Healthy diet, vitamins, exercise – look after yourself! What should they ask? How experienced is the surgeon?

How many implants placed? For how long? Do they do any teaching – nationally or internationally?

Best advice ever given or received? Treat every patient as if their a member of your family.

Motto: Dare quarm acciptre – to give us better than to receive.

Fezaan Gatrad

Having qualified as a dentist in 2010 from King College London, Dr Fezaan Gatrad has taken great pleasure in caring for his patients. How long have you practised dentistry, and why did you get into it? I have been practicing dentistry

for 13 years, having grown up in a family of dentists, teeth were often a topic of discussion at the dinner table (sad.. I know) however the apple never falls to far from the tree and dentistry certainly has become more then just a vocation in my life. Why are you passionate about dentistry in particular? My clinical work is now solely focused on dental implant treatment. This is where my passion lays, it definitely makes coming to work every day, enjoyable and exciting.

Can you give us some real-life examples of common dental problems you deal with? People with missing teeth, people with no teeth, people with failing teeth, have the knowledge and the expertise to help them is truly rewarding.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Highlight of your career so far? Placing my first zygomatic implants (now one of many).

What should clients look for in a competitive market like dentistry? What questions should they be asking? Who is doing my surgery? What is their experience? Who are the team they are working with? What happens if there are complications? Can I trust these people to do their best for me?

The best advice you've ever given/ received? Actually words from Mike Fuse – we all work for the patient and delivering the best for them, everything should be focused on that, nothing else matters.

Step into Spring

The luxury boutique hotel, nestled at the heart of Penarth Pier is renowned for offering one of the most fabulous urban spa experiences in Wales and is a firm favourite with Style of the City readers.

The spa underwent an extensive interior transformation last year to maintain its five star standards and ‘coastal chic’ style. The state-of-art hydro pool, treatment rooms and relaxation lounge have never looked more inviting. Setting it apart from corporate spa offerings, Holm House offers a unique ‘Holm away from Home’ experience. On a warm spring/ summers’ day you can enjoy the seaside views from the private

spa balcony. Exclusive to spa guests and complete with comfy sun loungers, the balcony is the perfect place to unwind before/ after your treatments. You can even enjoy a crisp glass of fizz or a healthy detox option thanks to the full drinks menu available.

Holm House partner with Elemis, arguably the most popular luxury spa brand in the UK which has been voted time and time again as The Best British Skincare brand. As an individual treatment, we highly recommend the Elemis Frangipani wrap which will leave your skin so soft you will feel brand new and beach confident, just in time for summer. Or if it’s a spa day you have in mind then

the especially curated ‘Step into Spring’ package is guaranteed to reawaken your mind, body and soul.

The Step into Spring package offers the ultimate in spa day indulgence, including 90 minutes use of the spa and leisure facilities, a 45 minute Elemis Pro-Glow Brilliance facial, express pedicure and a superfood face mask. Followed by lunch or afternoon tea and a refreshing spring cocktail. All of this for just £90pp, available midweek throughout May and June.

In short, there’s no place like Holm and their spa is testament to this. We recommend you pay a visit asap!

Understanding your libido

with Dr Michelle Olver

Talking about a loss of interest in sex with a healthcare professional or loved one can sometimes be difficult. Loss of libido or sex drive can occur for many reasons in both men and women. Stress, anxiety, depression, chronic illness and medications are some of the common causes.

We spoke with Dr Michelle Olver, Consultant in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health and Menopause Lead at St Joseph’s Hospital, to hear her thoughts.

“For women in particular, the perimenopause and menopause leads to a reduction in levels of oestrogen and testosterone which can affect libido. Vaginal dryness, itching, soreness and sometimes bleeding can occur during sexual intercourse, and this can affect a woman’s desire to have sex. External factors such as relationship difficulties and the responsibility of looking after dependants can also influence a woman’s appetite for sex.”

An international survey of sexually active women between the ages of 40 and 80 years old found that 39% of women reported a problem with sexual activity. “I suspect, in practice, this percentage is a lot higher.”

The diagnosis of low libido is usually made by simply talking to women. “Some healthcare professionals can feel awkward about talking about sex, and this is often a barrier to helping women with what they are experiencing. Women should be asked about their relationships, their vaginas, their medical history and what they want out of their sex lives. Blood tests do not play a role in diagnosing low libido and therefore are not effective for this.”

Managing low libido in the perimenopause and menopause depends on the root cause. “If stress is a contributory factor, then lifestyle modification is often needed. Relationship unhappiness needs to be addressed if this is causing the problem.

A change of medications may also be needed if felt they are influencing libido. Vaginal dryness, soreness and itching can be managed with vaginal oestrogens, moisturisers and lubricants. If these have all been addressed, then testosterone can be considered to help manage your symptoms.

Testosterone is a hormone which is produced in similar quantities to oestrogen prior to menopause. There is a slow decline in testosterone levels, starting when a woman is in her mid-thirties. In the UK, there isn’t a licensed female testosterone product. Testosterone is generally prescribed in a gel formulation, with some centres offering testosterone implants. For testosterone to work, women should be on HRT first, preferably HRT delivered through the skin. Unfortunately, testosterone does not work for everybody. It is estimated that only 60% of women who try it, will see a benefit. Women may not see a sign of improvement for up to 12 weeks, and therefore they are encouraged to trial it for at least a 6 month period. Monitoring of testosterone levels are essential to ensure that they do not exceed the female range.”

“Finally, women’s hearts, heads and vaginas need to align for women to have comfortable pleasurable sex. All aspects of a woman’s life need to be addressed in a consultation in order to treat them holistically. Listen, Acknowledge, Discuss.”

Women’s hearts, heads and vaginas need to align for women to have comfortable pleasurable sex.

BANISHING THE STIGMA OF HEARING AIDS!

Let’s be real; talking about hearing loss is not exactly a conversation starter; we’ve all felt embarrassed or awkward at some point when it comes to our ears. Ear wax? Gross! Hearing problems? We pretend they don’t exist. Taking care of your hearing is just as important as taking care of your physical health and wellbeing.

Marina Storina of Clear Hearing Solution is leading the way in addressing the old-fashioned stigma and attitude towards hearing loss and taking ear health seriously. She has made it her goal in life to promote the benefits of good hearing and to address this often forgotten and neglected condition that can heavily impact our daily lives.

"Our world is becoming more mentally and emotionally draining by the day, so it is vital that you have good hearing to stay healthy," says Marina. During her detailed research study Marina was shocked to discover how many people over the age of 50 have a hearing problem, but they choose to ignore it. Most of us will visit the optician to get new glasses, but not enough emphasis is placed on hearing loss and visiting a specialised hearing clinic. If hearing loss is not addressed, it could lead to a higher risk of dementia in later life.

We all need to feel connected and closer to our loved ones. Having good hearing increases communication, which in turn increases personal connections. Investing in hearing care now can not only prevent ear-related problems but can maintain a better quality of life. Living a long life is great but wouldn’t it be better if it were joyous too!

A recent UK study found that by using digital hearing aids to assist hearing loss significantly reduces the risk of dementia and also reduces the risk of conditions such as anxiety and depression.

What is on offer?

Marina has been working in the audiology industry for 20 years and she has seen how technology has developed and improved dramatically. The clinic offers not only the expertise on the newest technology but also offers a full detailed assessment of your audio health.

Hearing aids – discrete stylish gadgets

The newest hearing aids are so discrete that you will hardly notice you are wearing it. It is just the same as putting on your watch or putting on your glasses. Hearing aids now have the benefits of using artificial intelligence and are so technologically advanced with magnificent acoustical parameters. Marina wants to encourage people to start placing more importance on their hearing accessories as well as their smart phones, glasses and smart watches. So, what are you waiting for?? Impress your family and friends by investing in a stylish AI inspired device which not only brings you closer to the world generally but will improve your all round mental and emotional health leading to a more joyful life.

So, if you have loved ones or are experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss please seek advice from Marina and her team at Clear Hearing Solution

www.clearhearingsolution.com

info@clearhearingsolution.com

01446 688450

IS MY OVARIAN RESERVE NORMAL FOR MY AGE?

HOW CAN I CHECK MY TESTOSTERONE LEVELS?

ARE MY HORMONES AFFECTING MY HEALTH?

KNOW MORE, WORRY LESS

Test for a range of key health concerns from the comfort of your own home

A New Medical Innovative Approach to Incontinence and

Intimacy at Beauty

Advance Skin & Laser Clinic

The only clinic in Cardiff to offer BTL Emsella

BTL Emsella

What is BTL Emsella?

practitioners, are passionate about offering the newest technologies to provide the best available treatments to their patients.

Nestled in the beautiful and historic Morgan Arcade in Cardiff City Centre is the specialist laser and skin clinic, Beauty Advance. The founder, Daniela (a full member of the Health Inspectorate Wales) has been running her clinic since 1988 and now enjoys running the clinic with her daughter, India. This family-run business has become a leading clinic in the UK and is the only clinic in Wales currently using the latest technology in “Core 2 Floor”.

Beauty Advance (BA) is run like a family and their ethos is to provide not only the highest quality of care to all patients but to really understand and improve the way clients feel about themselves. Their team of doctors and highly trained

Intimacy (libido) and incontinence is a condition that affects over 200 million women and men worldwide and is an unspoken burden and nuisance for many of us! The team at BA are excited to bring this issue into the limelight and wish to promote an amazing new technology that dramatically improves the symptoms associated with incontinence. The new technology is called BTL Emsella.

This is a revolutionary new technique designed to target the specific symptoms associated with incontinence. The team at BA have had huge success over the past few months, and now wish to invite women across Cardiff and the Vale to come forward and try this simple and non-invasive treatment.

Incontinence can be caused by a number of different factors. It can be due to childbirth, menopause or the normal ageing process. Do you suffer from urine leakage during coughing, sneezing or during sports activities or frequently visit the bathroom? If so, you could be suffering from an incontinence issue. Daily incontinence can impact daily life and can create feelings of frustration and embarrassment. Other women struggle with symptoms that impact their intimacy and affect their sexual confidence, causing yet more embarrassment. The team at BA have a treatment that can reduce these symptoms and bring back your daily confidence to improve your health and lifestyle in just a few sessions.

What does it involve?

When a woman’s pelvic muscles are unable to support the pelvic functions (due to childbirth or menopause or other injuries), the muscles need reconditioning and tightening.

The BTL Emsella produces electromagnetic energy to cause pelvic floor muscle stimulation. A single session brings thousands of Kegel-like contractions which help you train your muscles without any exercises or effort from you. The treatment is completely noninvasive so there is no surgery or needles and you can even remain fully clothed! A session lasts for only 28 minutes and you can sit and fully relax during the procedure. This new amazing technology can deliver fast and efficient results in a completely non-invasive way. The treatment is not only cheaper than traditional and alternative methods it is much much safer.

Who are BTL?

“Before, I was getting up 4-5 times a night to go to a bathroom. It seems like it's still improving. Even in past few weeks, some nights I have not had to get up at all. It'sawesome!”

BTL is a worldwide manufacturer of medical and aesthetic equipment and has employees spread across over 53 countries. They have revolutionised the non-invasive treatment industry of body shaping, skin tightening, cellulite and other medical aesthetic treatments. Quote

To book your treatment session or to find out more please visit Beauty Advance at www.beautyadvance.com or visit our social media.

“I sneeze, I can jump rope, I run… I can do all kinds of exercises and competitions and I can now do them with a lot more confidence that I could before. It's freeing… very freeing, to be able to just do what you want to do again.” @beautyadvancelaserclinic

HITTING MILESTONES

One Step at a Time

“I’ll start when I feel ready” is something I hear a lot from women who want to start their fitness journey. Here’s the thing, if we waited until we thought we were ready we’d never start anything.

Summer 2022

I fell in love with running, I found it helped me in so many ways physically and mentally. So I incorporated running into my daily routine and it became a part of my life.

December 2022

I was running with a friend of mine, and she asked if I’d like to run the Newport marathon in April 2023, my instant reply was “no way” which then later followed with “maybe the year after, I’m not ready to run that far yet”.

I went home after that run, as I was showering I was thinking about what I said “I’m not ready” I was thinking about all of the advice that I give the women in my team every day when helping them to reach goals, push past their comfort zones and become the best version of themselves and I realised that I was doing exactly what I advise others not to.

“I was scared"

You see I love running, I love pushing myself to become the best version of myself, I love that sense of achievement when I see all my hard work pay off and I loved the thought of completing a full marathon. But I was scared, I feared the amount of work it would take, I feared failure, I was scared that I wouldn’t be any good; and it was then I realised that signing up for the marathon was exactly what I needed to do.

I got out of the shower; I sent my friend a text message and I signed up for the Newport Marathon April 2023.

Fitness columnist Lauren Green shares her journey on getting marathon ready

NYE 2022

New Year's Eve 2022 for me was very different to any before. Instead of dressing up, celebrating, or partying I stayed at home, I created a vision board, I made a list of everything that I needed to do to achieve my goals, I also made a list of everything that would hold me back.

To be able to successfully run a marathon 26.2 miles whilst being a mother, an online fitness coach and training live with my team every day without burning out, I would have to focus on these 4 things:

1. Planning & Preparation – I would have to plan and prepare all my runs, strength workouts, run clubs, challenges, meals, rest days, content, I would have to run a tight schedule to fit everything I needed to do into my already busy days.

2. Prioritise – I would have to prioritise the things that needed to be done before anything else.

3. Consistency – I would have to turn up consistently for the next 3 months, I would have to do the work on the days that I was motivated to, and more importantly do the work on the days when I wasn’t motivated.

4. Rest & Recovery – I would have to prioritise rest and recovery for my body to be able to upkeep such a busy schedule. Rest – Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Rehydrate – Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Refuel –Make sure that I am fuelling by body with the correct nutrition to replace energy stores, repair muscle tissue, and avoid risk of injury.

I would have to eliminate everything that could potentially hold me back:

• Late nights

• Alcohol

• Unsupportive people

It would be far from easy, there would be times I would want to give up but I would need to think of how it would feel to accomplish such a huge goal.

01/01/23

I woke up at 6am to complete my first run of the year, a half marathon. It felt amazing to a goal in place and start the year off well.

Saturday morning long runs: The main part of marathon training was training my body to run further than it's ever ran before. Before signing up for this marathon the furthest I had ever run was 13 miles. So, every single Saturday me and my friend Sarah would run a little further than the week before, in preparation for the big day.

25/03/23

We ran 24 miles, the was our furthest run before we started to taper down our runs ready for April 16th.

Training through the winter for a marathon has been the hardest training I’ve ever put my body through. We’ve ran through wind, snow, sleet, rain, ice and floods. The amount of time, consistency and preparation that must go into it has taken over my whole life, I have used all my energy up on training and find I have very little energy for anything much else. I have missed out on social occasions, events, holidays, weekends away, I have wanted to give up, I have cried (many times), but I have also loved it more than any training I’ve done before. The sense of achievement this training has given me has completely evolved my mindset.

I know that whatever happens on the day I have absolutely no regrets, I have worked harder than I have ever worked before and for that I am very proud. Every day I wake up feeling grateful for my good health and for the ability to be able to run.

Since starting my fitness journey all those years ago I started to THINK that maybe I was capable of more, now I KNOW I am, and so are you! We are all capable of anything we are willing to work hard for.

I want to say a special thank you to Sarah my friend who I am running the marathon with, she has been an absolute star and so supportive through this training, thank you to all of my friends who have been absolutely amazing and the biggest thank you to my family, especially my mum and dad for being there for whatever and whenever I have needed them, I appreciate you so much, I am beyond grateful.

Newport Marathon Sunday 16/04/23

Lauren Green Empowered Women Fitness www.empoweredfitplan.com

"It isn’t going to be easy, you may have to make sacrifices, but the feeling you get when you achieve what you have worked so hard for will be WORTH it!"

TRAVEL

Sunshine Safari

Ever dreamt about watching the sunset over a waterhole surrounded by elephant and buffalo on the African savannah?

So many of my luxury travel clients are requesting exactly this as they look to make up for lost time by planning those bucket list trips for 2023 and 2024. African safari adventures are proving to be the most popular currently especially with requests for smaller eco lodges that look to support local communities and offer more of a personalised one to one service.

I have pulled together a few of my favourite lodges to share with you –

Singita Lebombo Lodge

A dramatic clifftop sanctuary suspended aloft the N’wanetsi River inside Kruger National Park whose design was inspired by eagle nests on the cliff side. Besides the sumptuous private suite spaces, the lodge offers a wine studio, library and rooftop terrace, an interactive kitchen, an espresso bar and help-yourself deli, with an additional 25-metre lap pool.

Sophisticated and contemporary, the glass-walled suites are romantic hideaways leading outdoors onto elevated wooden viewing decks where guests may sleep out with nothing more than mosquito netting between them and the stars.

It’s not only about luxury though here as at Singita, conservation is the passion and purpose. Over the past three decades, its far-reaching commitment to safeguarding the continent’s wildlife populations and wilderness areas – as well as creating economic independence within communities living alongside them – has seen them implement strategic partnerships with non-profit Funds & Trusts such as Singita Lowveld Trust – working towards a sustainable future for precious species, fragile habitats and vulnerable communities through long-term conservation projects such as the Singita Community Culinary School at Lebombo. Graduates emerge with a world-class chef qualification and a future in luxury hospitality.

Sarah Stephens is a PR and marketing expert, a travel concierge, entrepreneur champion and an advocate for life after child loss

Sarah launched a travel concierge and luxury travel business three years ago, organising holidays for busy people so the only thing they need to worry about when away is having the time of their lives. Work with her and only worry about enjoying your precious time away. She will find you the perfect escape.

Sarah has over 15 years’ experience working in the travel industry Whether it is spending Christmas in New York, having a dream trip to the Maldives, Northern Lights in Iceland or taking the kids to Lapland to meet the big man himself. Sarah can help to make those bucket list dreams come true. She specialises in large groups, the Nordics and honeymoon trips.

Sarah Stephens Escapes www.sarahstephensescapes.com

Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge

Situated in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, this Malaria free area provides an unrivalled safari experience with the opportunity to view Africa’s Big 5, including cheetah, under African skies.

The lodge is an intimate, privately owned, luxury game lodge where you will be able to enjoy the biodiversity of the reserve in near solitude. Experienced, enthusiastic game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open topped 4×4 game viewers, tracking the Big 5 and sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife. At Umzolozolo, the emphasis is on personal service.

All the lodges on the Nambiti Private Game Reserve, including Umzolozolo, receive a Rhino Conservation levy from their guests as part of their package, these funds help fund the anti-poaching team, to help preserve and protect the Rhinos. There is also a Nambiti Conservation Trust, which has been established to raise funds to support our rhino conservation efforts. The rhino are de-horned to protect them and they are also monitored 24 hours a day by our armed on the ground anti-poaching unit.

Phinda Homestead

Tucked into the edge of a dappled forest in the north of Phinda Private Game Reserve, lies Phinda Homestead, a gracious soleuse safari villa, complete with a dedicated ranger, tracker, butler and chef.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species.

Blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings, and designed like a contemporary bush farmhouse, Phinda Homestead is an elegant and homely sole-use villa, ideal for both families and small groups. Four private bedrooms and spacious bathrooms fuse harmoniously with the cool, expansive, and inviting guest spaces. An interactive kitchen brings the lodge’s private chef into the centre of the guest experience, while a fully equipped private gym and spa allow for relaxation between safaris. Game drive times, as well as meals, are tailored completely to the guests’ preference to create a fully personalised safari.

It was at Phinda that parent company &Beyond’s Care of the Land, Wildlife and People impact vision was tested and shaped. Here 73 800 acres of farmland was reclaimed for wildlife, including 790 hectares of critically endangered ancient sand forest. Cheetah, rhino and pangolin are actively protected here for over 30 years. The reserve also works closely with neighbouring communities, employing locally and investing in community education and welfare.

These three safari options are all very different which one would you choose?

If you are planning to head off on safari remember you can combine it with other places and activities such as a trip to the garden route, maybe wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area or horse riding on the beach. Most clients also spend a few days in Cape Town seeing the sights and visiting the adorable penguins too.

Is a safari on your bucket list? If I can help you with this or with another exciting trip please drop me a line on 07919 886488 or www.instagram.com/ sarahstephensescapes

Set in the Edwardian baroque splendour of this listed building, once the city’s financial hub, the Stock Market Grill will be at the heart of the Stock Exchange Hotel, a luxurious, warm, inviting place to unwind and entertain.

Named among the World’s Best New Luxury Hotels in 2019 by Luxury Travel Intelligence and Leading Hotel of the Year at the This is MCR Awards, 2022, Stock Exchange Hotel features forty rooms, suites and a fully serviced residence, private spaces and a subterranean bar, STERLING — serving cocktails, rare wines and live music, all overseen by the Schofield and Brandwood team. Stock Market Grill joins this roster in the spectacular setting of what was the trading floor, nestled under its ornate domed ceiling.

Discover baroque splendour at Manchester’s newest dining spot

The restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel, the luxury destination in Manchester’s city centre, opens later this month as Stock Market Grill — under the helm of esteemed sibling team Joe and Daniel Schofield. They are joined by James Brandwood, wine expert and 20-year hospitality industry veteran. This much-lauded trio have already had proven success with venues including SCHOFIELD’S BAR, ATOMECA and STERLING.

With head chef Joshua ReedCooper in charge (previously at The French with Simon Rogan, with Sam Buckley at Where the Light Gets In and at Michelin-starred Mana), Stock Market Grill will offer an all-day menu replete with elevated “British Brasserie” classics using the highestquality local ingredients.

Serving traditional favourites, exceptionally executed by ReedCooper, the launch menu includes:

Oysters with Mignonette

Westcombe Cheddar & Smoked Anchovy Straws

Chicken Liver Parfait with Sauternes Jelly & Sourdough Toast

Mussel Cullen Skink

Wild Mushrooms with Confit Yolk & Spelt

Rabbit Suet Pudding with Mustard Cream

Tranche of Brill with Borderlaise & Grilled Onion

Mangalitsa Pork Chop with Yorkshire Rhubarb Ketchup

Ex-dairy Rib Eye with Brown Butter Jus & Lemon

Blood Orange Tart with Clotted Cream Whiskey Baba with Vanilla Chantilly

“We aim to create one of the best restaurants in the North of England, right here at the Stock Exchange Hotel… To create an experience to remember, highlighting the stunning architecture of the dining room and the food on the plate” says Joe Schofield. “I’m really excited,” adds Gary Neville, owner of the Stock Exchange Hotel, “to be working with Joe, Daniel and James again on the launch of Stock Market Grill. I know they will bring another world-class

Spring has Finally Sprung and the Kids are Loving it!

Polly James shares all on enjoying the new season with two.

I’m writing this blog and the sun is shining outside. There is still a chill in the air, but I think we can (after that weird snow week) say spring has officially sprung! As much as I try to get out and about during the winter with the kids, there are still those days when we just want to snuggle up and hibernate. I absolute adore the lighter nights and the fact that we can spend our evenings at the beach fills me with excitement. I’m such a beach bum it’s not normal. The weather may not be nice enough just yet to spend a day at the beach in a bikini but if it’s looking like it will be a nice day, you know it's portable BBQ time for dinner under a blanket.

With that in mind, I thought it would be great to tell you about some of our new travel systems I’ve got for the kids as we get ready for some outdoor adventures. Not wasting anytime in telling you about this. This is most amazing bit of kit if you’ve got multiple children or even if you’ve got one child and a lot of gear – this is going to change your life. An actual wagon for your squad as you can see in the photos that you can take to the beach, the mountains or anywhere you want and carry anything you want. Nothing beats family adventures but with backpacks, prams and snacks galore, getting out and about with your little ones can be easier said than done! BRAND NEW to the UK is a wonderful wagon that’s set to transform family trips in every way. Welcome WONDERFOLD!

A household name in the U.S, and used by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, the Wonderfold is wheeling its way into the UK and is destined to be this summer’s family must-have. As I said the kids and I are absolute suckers for a warm evening down Barry Island beach and I’m so excited at the prospect of instead pushing a pram and holding onto multiple bags, I can use this wagon to transport everything especially up and down that really, long hill to Jacksons Bay. You know the one. I’m so excited this year as well to hopefully take the kids to a festival or two. It's the perfect mode of transport, sturdy and safe enough to pull them through the fields with enough room in the wagon to carry more than a few wet wipes and maybe a spare hand for my can of cider too! Might even have to pimp out the Wagon with some fairy lights and flags! I can’t wait!

We’ve also upgraded the travel systems in the car. I always feel it’s such a milestone when the kids go up into a bigger car seat. Travis has now got Indy's old car seat and Indy has got a brand-new toddler car seat. Over the years I’ve seen many a different car seat brand and tried a few, but our choice has always been a MaxiCosi. A trusted brand and in my opinion head and shoulders over the rest when it comes to the best protection, safety for your child. The newest seat that Indy is in, is designed to keep children safe from 15 months to 12 years old, a seat that grows with your child so you'll never have to think about another car seat again. Stylish, sturdy and easy to use as

well. You can see Indy, who is bit taller than the average 3-year-old in the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro i-Size – she loves it. What a big girl now. Even though she will be in it for long time, I’ll blink, and she’ll be riding up with me in the front seat with no extra seat at all.

Learning to go with flow, doing only what is physically possible (You can't do everything POL!) and remembering saying NO is OK. Trying not to feel guilty about work so much and getting outside, enjoying the Spring with my littluns, and living my best Kylie Jenner Mum life with my new wagon!

Happy Spring, folks!

POLLY'S BABY BLOG

Joseph’s Smile

A charity committed in helping families fund treatment or equipment that’s not currently available on the NHS, dedicated to help give precious time to families with sick children.

Joseph’s Smile was set up in memory of Joseph Yeandle by his mother and aunty in August 2022. Joseph was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in 2021 and the family were faced with not only having to deal with the fear and uncertainty of knowing that their son had a rare and aggressive form of cancer, but also with the knowledge that in order to give him the best chances of survival, they had to fundraise 350k to get him to America for lifesaving treatment. Devastatingly, Joseph passed away before he was able to access the treatment but through the power of their community, online, locally and nationally, the campaign raised £200,000 which was later donated to Solving Kids Cancer following Joseph’s loss. In August last year, just 6 months after losing Joseph, Katy Yeandle (Joseph’s mother) and Emma Rees (Joseph’s aunty) launched a legacy charity for their beautiful and smiley boy, hence the name –Joseph’s Smile.

Joseph’s Smile is run voluntary by founders Katy Yeandle and Emma Rees. On the 24th March this year, Joseph’s parents, Katy and James, and brother, Liam attended the Child of Wales Awards in Cardiff where they received the award for Courageous Family of the Year, in recognition of both Liam and Joseph’s bravery and how the family have set up Joseph’s Smile to help other children in Joseph’s name.

Blanche Sainsbury, Founder of Child of Wales Awards says "Joseph's Smile makes a huge difference to help families who are desperately fundraising for treatment. It is a truly inspirational story of a very brave family and a beautiful little boy who sadly didn't make it to access a clinical trial in New York. In his name, Joseph's Smile was created and the charity has helped many families. We are so proud at Child of Wales Awards that they were nominated by so many people".

If you would like to support Joseph’s Smile, please visit Make a donation to Joseph's Smile (enthuse.com) to make a donation or text JOSEPH to 70460 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard network rate message.

Alternatively, you could set up a fundraiser for the charity and raise critical funds and awareness. You could do a sky dive, run a marathon, complete one of the Joseph’s Smile virtual challenges or organise an event. The Joseph’s Smile team will be there to help in any way they can and will provide support and ideas for your fundraiser. Please visit josephssmile.org/ get-involved for more details.

josephssmile.org

Facebook /josephssmile

Instagram @josephssmileuk

Twitter @josephssmileuk

BEAUTY @1600 LAUNCH EVENT

Beauty@1600 held an event at the gorgeous Orangery in Margam Park on the 4th of March. Marking the official launch of the luxury hair extension brand based here in Wales. There was a fantastic turn out for the evenings event from hair extension enthusiasts to salon owners. The event was held to highlight the different styles the range offers. Beauty@1600 is marketing to eventually have their extensions stocked in salons across Wales.

Emface & Emsculpt Launch Party at Beauty

Advance Skin & Laser Clinic

Beauty Advance Skin & Laser Clinic successfully launched their Emface and Emsculpt Neo Edge breakthrough technology, available at the clinic with a fantastic event, showcasing live demonstrations and talks throughout the evening.

www.beautyadvance.com

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The most glamorous events in Cardiff

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

WALES’ LONGEST ESTABLISHED FAMILY RUN RESTAURANT

As seenonTV - Italian foodatitsbest

40 YEARS 40 Celebrating 40 Years

EST 1983

EST 1983

WIN 40 PRIZES 1 FOR EVERY YEAR

Dine with us to be entered into our prize draw

Win a romantic w eeken d for 2 IN VENICE

HANDCRAFTED FINE JEWELLERY

SINCE 1840 25-27 The Hayes

St David’s Centre, Cardiff

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